Lafayette Celebrates 20 Years of African American Heritage with Annual Parade

The African American Heritage Foundation of Lafayette is set to celebrate two decades of cultural pride and heritage with its 20th Annual African American Heritage Parade on Sunday, February 25, at 2:00 PM. This annual event shines a light on the foundation's commitment to honoring the legacy and inspiring the future of African Americans in the Lafayette community.

The parade, one of the major highlights of Lafayette's Black History Month celebrations, will start at J. Wallace James and proceed to the Super 1 grocery store on Martin Luther King Memorial Parkway (Willow St.). Roads will close at 1:00 PM on Sunday (Feb. 25).

This year's parade honorees, recognized for their significant contributions to culture, education, health, economics, politics, and youth advocacy, include Tina Shelvin Bingham for Culture, Dr. Patricia Colbert for Education/Health, Kitchen on Klinton (KOK) Wings And Things for Economics, Vincent Pierre for Politics, and Corey Jack for Putting our Children First. These individuals embody the foundation's goals of preserving and celebrating African American history and achievements.

Leading the procession is Chancellor John Pierre from Southern University Law Center. The African American Heritage Foundation took to Facebook to express their enthusiasm, stating, "Congratulations to all and we are proud to celebrate you and honor you during Black History Month! Celebrating 20 years of Honoring our Legacy, Inspiring Our Future!"

The parade comes on the heels of another historic event in Lafayette. On February 1, 2024, the African American Heritage Foundation marked a significant milestone by having the African American Flag flown at Lafayette City Hall for the first time. The ceremony, attended by community leaders and dignitaries including newly elected Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet and City Council member Kenneth Boudreaux, highlighted the city's progress and the foundation's vital role in the community.

The African American Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by the late Jenelle Chargois, continues to be a beacon of cultural preservation and celebration in Lafayette.

As the community gathers to celebrate 20 years of legacy and inspiration, the spirit of Je'Nelle Chargois lives on, with Marsha Zuri Chargois and others working diligently to keep this important heritage alive for future generations.